American Red Cross Statement on Border and Immigration Issues

American Red Cross Statement on Border and Immigration Issues

August 13, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC, August 13, 2018 — In response to the ongoing situation facing undocumented individuals and families entering the U.S. through Mexico, the American Red Cross has supported 11 different independently-operated shelters helping migrants in the states of Texas, Arizona and California. As of August 13, the Red Cross has already provided some 14,500 supplies including cots, blankets, diapers, comfort kits and other items. Moving forward, our local chapters are prepared to respond to additional requests we receive for help from these and other independent or community-based housing and sheltering operations.

The American Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have, for decades, reconnected family members who have been separated due to international crises. This includes leveraging the global Red Cross Red Crescent network to trace separated family members and help people to call their loved ones back home to assure them that they are safe. We are providing these communications services for migrants in Texas, Arizona and California as needed and will continue to do so in the coming days and months.

In addition, we continue to stand ready, if asked, to assist federal government authorities.

As part of the global Red Cross Red Crescent network, and as a humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross is guided by seven fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. These principles compel us to provide services to anyone and everyone who need them in times of emergency – regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or citizenship status. They also compel us to remain a neutral and impartial party, so we can access and help people on all sides.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.